Research Abstract
Dr. Bertagnolli’s laboratory studies the APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) gene, an important factor in colorectal carcinogenesis and in the development of desmoid tumors. Using animal tumor models of the human disease, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, the laboratory investigates the mechanisms of tumor transformation initiated by APC mutation or loss. The laboratory also studies modulation of APC gene activity and tumor formation by chemopreventive drugs. This work includes animal model studies, and also human clinical trials in colorectal adenoma prevention and risk assessment.